The Borrower
The Borrower
Book Brief
Beta324
Novel • Fiction
Hannibal, Missouri • 2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai, a children's librarian named Lucy Hull inadvertently becomes involved in a cross-country journey with a young boy, Ian, who seeks freedom from his overbearing parents. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the power of storytelling, as Lucy navigates the ethical complexities of her actions.
Adventurous
Contemplative
Humorous
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
16,325 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rebecca Makkai's The Borrower receives praise for its engaging narrative and exploration of themes like freedom and rebellion through the lens of a librarian's journey. Critics commend its humor and heartwarming elements but note that some plot developments feel implausible. Overall, the novel is appreciated for its wit and thought-provoking themes.
Who Should Read The Borrower?
Readers who enjoy The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai likely appreciate literary fiction with themes of self-discovery, moral dilemmas, and quirky, heartfelt narratives. Fans of Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple or The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin may find this novel engaging.
16,325 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Borrower was Rebecca Makkai's debut novel, published in 2011, and has been praised for its humorous yet poignant exploration of the relationship between a librarian and a precocious young boy.
Makkai's background in libraries and education inspired aspects of the novel's setting and characters, drawing on her own experiences to enrich the story.
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The book was recognized by several literary platforms and was selected as a Booklist Top Ten Debut and an O, The Oprah Magazine selection in 2011.
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324
Novel • Fiction
Hannibal, Missouri • 2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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